Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower, right, delivers a short speech lauding Iron County Deputies during the mid-winter convention Thursday at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George.

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Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower couldn't hold back the surprise on his face Thursday night when West Jordan Police Sgt. Dan Roberts called him up to accept the annual Officer of the Year award during the Utah Peace Officers Association awards banquet hosted annually in St. George during their mid-winter convention.

Roberts, who is also the president-elect for UPOA, read from the nomination form prior to announcing Gower's award, giving the reasons why his staff believed he should be the officer of the year.

"Despite his position as sheriff, he is always quick to assist his deputies on calls," ...